Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS), a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is responsible for regulating the introduction—meaning the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release—of genetically engineered (GE) organisms. While BRS' current regulations have been effective in ensuring the safe introduction of GE organisms, the program is considering potential revisions to update its existing regulations in light of advances in science and technology, as well as the knowledge and experience BRS' experts have gained through their work.

As part of the evaluation of its regulatory program, BRS published a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in July 2007. The draft EIS is a crucial step in the regulatory revision process. The draft EIS evaluates the environmental impacts of the current regulations and the potential environmental effects of the revisions under consideration. The EIS process provides a detailed analysis of the regulatory alternatives that BRS is considering and allows for public input and comment.